The family of a missing teenager with an eating disorder have made an emotional appeal to the public to help find her.

The family of a missing teenager with an eating disorder have made an emotional appeal to the public to help find her.

Harini Payagala, who is 17 but looks much younger due to her condition, has not been seen since 12.40pm last Friday.

She is originally from Richmond, Surrey, but has been staying in the Stroud area in Gloucestershire to receive treatment for anorexia.

Today, her mother Mo, 43, father, sister and step-father described her disappearance as a "nightmare" and urged her, or anyone who sees her, to contact the police.

Harini's sister, Sasha, 23, said: "Harini is anorexic and is very petite and timid. She doesn't weigh very much at all and we are all very worried about her as she might not have eaten anything for four or five days.

"She won't approach anyone if she is lost and so we would like to ask people in Stroud and the areas around Stroud to keep an eye out for her and call the police if they see her."

Harini, who is Asian, is approximately 4ft 10ins tall and of very slim build, police said.

She has also has long black hair which her family said she tends to wear in a ponytail.

Harini's mother added: "She's a very kind, loving and caring girl.

"She's very scared and very confused at the moment because of her eating disorder, which is why we think she's run away. We think it was a spur of the moment thing.

"This has been a nightmare for us, something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy."

Speaking directly to her daughter, Ms Payagala said: "Please, please come forward Harini, we want to make sure you're ok. We just want to take care of you."

Harini was last seen wearing a long pink and white T-shirt and dark trousers. She also had a silver coloured necklace with the letter 'H' on it.

Teams of police officers have been searching the Stroud area for Harini since she was reported missing on Friday.

The police helicopter and the dogs unit are being used in the searches as it is thought that the teenager may be in woodland or rural areas.

Inspector Phil Offord, of Gloucestershire Police, said: "We are really worried about Harini and our searches have been continuing day and night to try and find her."

Gloucestershire police searches are being supported by officers from Wiltshire police as well as mounted police from Avon and Somerset.

"One thing that Stroud residents can do to help us is to check any outbuildings they may have, such as sheds and wendy houses," said Inspector Offord.

"Harini may have taken shelter in buildings like this and so we would appeal to the public to check them.

"Harini is very shy and is likely to run away if she's approached but anyone who sees her is asked to keep her in sight, if possible, and to contact police immediately so that we can make sure she's ok."

A special phone number has been set up for the public to call on with any information about Harini.